Mid-Atlantic Boat Show - 2015 Hightlights

The Lake Wylie Man team visited the Mid-Atlantic boat show last week.  We go every year, just to stay informed on the latest on Lake Wylie.  We see new dock and boat lift designs, solutions for various situations on the lake, and interesting offerings for current and potential lake property owners.

We always stop by the booth of the Lake Wylie Marine commission and Charlotte Power Squadron to catch up on boat safety news and pick up brochures for our Lake Wylie waterfront buyers.  We chatted with our friends at DockMasters and WaterJack about some of the dock building projects that our recent real estate buyers have in the works.

Once you have your dock in place, sometime you need a little help getting the boat parked.  One solution for nighttime docking is a set of underwater boat lights:

An easy way to secure your boat to almost ANY dock is The Dock Key, a little device that attaches to your boat rope, then with an easy twist, you're tied up!  No need for a cleat.  Whether you're visiting friends on the lake or tying up at T-Bones, it is a quick and easy way to dock your boat.

Of course, David Coone was magnetically drawn to the Classic and Antique Boat display.  One of our favorite builders, Dana Anthony Homes, is also a collector and restorer of classic boats, and he was at the display with two of his collection.  The aluminum Feathercraft was a show favorite:

Then, there was some other fun stuff.  How about this 2-story pontoon boat with built-in slide?

I don't know about you, but all of us with The Lake Wylie Man team are ready for fun on the lake.  The Lake Wylie real estate market is starting to heat up, and we have lots of Lake Wylie waterfront properties for sale right now.  Maybe one is right for you?

New Boater Law - Safety Course Required

On May 1, a new boater law goes into effect on Lake Wylie. North Carolina boaters under the age of 25 will be required to take a boat safety course prior to operating a boat on lakes in the state. Lake Wylie is a bit unique, as it is situated in both NC and SC.

South Carolina boaters will not be required to take the courses (yet) unless the boater does not have a valid drivers license. Currently, teens age 13 and up can take the safety course and then operate a boat regardless of drivers license status.

When I was at the boat show this February, I had a conversation with a member of the Charlotte Power Squadron about the new boating law. He felt that SC would soon follow suit with the safety class requirement.

Lake Wylie is patrolled by York, Meckenburg, and Gaston County police. Each force has jurisdiction over the whole lake, whether the section falls in North or South Carolina. So a boater can be stopped by any one of the patrollers, regardless of where they are in the lake.

There are a few exceptions to the requirement: New boat owners have 90 days from the change in ownership to comply. In an emergency situation, when the original boat captain is unable to operate the boat, another may step in.

There has been very little publicity about the change in boating law, so many may be caught unaware. Anyone under the age of 25 caught without proof of a safe boating course may be ticketed, facing a lost day on the lake and court costs. So spread the word!

For more information on Lake Wylie waterfront issues, visit my site TheLakeWylieMan.com. Thanks!

Lake Wylie Dock & Boat Lift Service Recommendations

Have you had experience with local Lake Wylie dock building or boat lift services? Please leave your feedback and recommendations on this site.

For more Lake Wylie Waterfront Resources, please visit my website!

Lake Wylie Boat Repair & Service Recommendations

Have you had experience with local boat repair services in Lake Wylie? Leave feedback & recommendations on this site!

For more Lake Wylie Waterfront resources, please visit my website.

Age Requirements for Operating a Boat on Lake Wylie

I'm often asked the minimun age to operate a boat on Lake Wylie. Some assume that the boater must have a driver's license, but that is not the case. To legally operate a boat or PWC (personal water craft) without restrictions, the minimum age is 16. However, a person 14-15 years old may operate a PWC or boat if he has completed an approved boater safety course. These courses are 8-hour classes taught by certified instructors. A test is given at the end of the course.

The course is classroom instruction only; no actual "behind the helm" instruction takes place. It goes without saying that parental responsibility is critical to make sure the young person receives enough practice before being turned loose on the lake!

The boater safety course, while not required for adults, is highly recommended. In many cases, it can even reduce boat insurance premiums. Particularly as boat traffic continues to increase on Lake Wylie, it is important that all who operate watercraft understand legal requirements as well as safety rules. There are some excellent online resources for those unable to schedule one of the classes offered regularly in the Lake Wylie area.

For upcoming classes, visit my Lake Wylie Events and Activities calendar. Visit my website for other Lake Wylie Waterfront resources, as well as Lake Wylie waterfront real estate resources.

Tram systems on Lake Wylie

I was riding by Tega Cay on the lake the other day and spotted the tram system one of the waterfront property owners has installed on his steep lakefront lot. Wow! From what I understand, this is the first such system on Lake Wylie, and is revolutionary for folks with ultra-steep lots.

The tram has tracks that lead from the house down to the waterfront area. The tram car holds up to 1000 pounds (about 4 adults, plus gear). American Recreational Tram Systems is one supplier of these systems.

The tram can be installed on a lot with as much as a 55 degree slope, and can be customized for special needs or requests. They are environmentally friendly, causing very little disturbance on the terrain. Track poles are anchored into the ground, and no dirt needs to be removed from the site.

The trams look like they might provide the thrill of a roller coaster, but they have three independent cables, and multiple independent brake systems. They glide along at a safe and comfortable speed, similar to an elevator. They are much safer than the steep staircases that are currently in use on many steep lots.

The tram systems are not cheap - - they may cost up to $40,000 (depending on length and steepness), but they could very well add that much value to a waterfront lot. A steep lot that may not have been considered by buyers may become marketable, even desirable. Many steep lots have phenomenal views, plus more privacy than lots close to lakeside.

We're likely to see more of these trams around Lake Wylie in the near future. For more information about issues that affect Lake Wylie Waterfront Real Estate, visit my website! You'll find Waterfront Property Searches, Resources for Lake Wylie Waterfront Property Owners, Lake Wylie Activities and Events, and more.

http://www.thelakewylieman.com/

Workshop on Lake Wylie River Buffer

Did you miss the workshop? Visit my website to read more about this issue and other topics that affect Lake Wylie waterfront property owners.

The York County Planning & Development Services Department has invited all of the Lake Wylie community to a workshop regarding the river buffer. The staff will facilitate a discussion to obtain input on recommendations for future ordinances, and to develop a Best Management Practices Manual. The manual will provide guidelines for the protection of the waters of Lake Wylie and tributaries of the Catawba River.

This is a hot topic among property owners, developers, and environmental organizations such as the Catawba Riverkeepers Foundation. Some want all construction prohibited within the buffer zone, others want limited construction permitted, and some want no buffer regulations at all.

The purpose of the buffer is to protect water quality by keeping construction runoff from entering the lake. However, some man-made improvements can actually help in these efforts. The proposed changes in the ordinance will define what is allowed, and whether or not variances are permitted.

If you'd like to become involved, call Dave Pettine, the zoning administrator, at 803-909-7234.

Plan to be involved in the workshop - scheduled Dec. 12 6-8pm, at Crowders Creek Elementary on Hwy 49 in Lake Wylie.

Visit my website for Lake Wylie waterfront real estate property searches, helpful information for waterfront residents, Lake Wylie links and community information.